ERIC Number: ED438139
Record Type: RIE
Publication Date: 1999-Oct
Pages: 9
Abstractor: N/A
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: N/A
EISSN: N/A
W.A.S.H. (We All Speak Here!) and a Learning Model.
St. John, Michael J.
This paper describes W.A.S.H. (We All Speak Here), an experiential learning strategy that provides learners (individuals or groups) with a means for exploring, discussing, and discovering their thoughts and feelings on any idea, issue, or concept. This strategy is part of a larger model in which students develop a deeper understanding of learning materials, create stronger personal meaning with the subject matter, and incorporate this knowledge more readily into their lives. W.A.S.H. is flexible and may be used in a variety of ways: to examine classroom issues, to set a course or direction for the next classroom experience, to practice decision-making skills, or to practice recording and reporting. The design involves a series of four questions: "why" (concrete experience),"what" (reflective observation), "how" (abstract conceptualization), and "what if" (active experimentation). The participants, in small groups, generate a list of as many responses as possible to each question during a set time limit. Once the list has been generated for a particular question, the group prioritizes the responses to the question. These responses are then reported by each group and recorded on a large sheet of newsprint as a permanent record. The importance of carefully wording questions and guiding groups in prioritizing responses is emphasized. An example uses the W.A.S.H. strategy during an introduction to Space Science and includes a sample script used by the facilitator to generate group discussion and record responses. (LP)
Publication Type: Reports - Descriptive; Speeches/Meeting Papers
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A
Note: In: Selected Monographs from the Association for Experiential Education International Conference (27th, Rochester, NY, October 1999); see RC 022 262.